What to do with multiple phone numbers

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I still have a landline. I have had that phone number for about 20 years now, and I like it—it’s easy to remember. I have actually had my cell number for about as long, but since I originally only had the cell for “emergencies,” I didn’t give that number out as often.

And since I didn’t get the best cell reception in my house, it didn’t make much sense to have that as a first option for people to call.The cell reception has improved and/or my smartphone works better, so my next step will probably be to switch my landline to VoIP—to save more money. In the meantime, however, as more people have been given my cell number, they haven't always known which number to call first.

Don’t forget the app: How do I get there?

On my laptop, I use Google Maps, and when I got my smartphone, I started using Google Navigator to find my way to unknown locations. What I’ve discovered, however, is that it’s best to have more than one navigation app on your phone, just in case. Models of phones and/or where you are when you use the app can make some difference in the success of the app.

App Choices

A friend had recommended Navfree USA. One of its features is downloadable maps so that if you have no data signal, you could still use the app. This app did not work well for me. It couldn’t find my house successfully, so getting started always affected the route it gave me. Even navigating from other locations always seemed to be off a little, and it would constantly lose the GPS signal.

Protect that device from viruses

You would probably have to be living under a rock not to have heard about Instragram now being available for Android devices. Also in the news a lot recently was how facebook bought Instagram for one billion dollars.

Obviously, so much press has made it something that people want even if they may not know why. A friend told me that there was a bogus version being downloaded by a lot of people, and as a result, one of the recommendations being suggested was to be sure you only download from the Google Market.

Come on, let’s Meetup

It seems that almost every time I mention Meetup.com, I have to explain what it is. I’ve actually only known about it for a couple of years myself, but they’ve been around since 2002.

Last year, on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11, anyone that was a member of a group on Meetup received an email from Scott Heiferman, Co-Founder & CEO, explaining how Meetup came about.

Going to put that in my Pocket

As I wrote about in one of my earliest posts, I have not been a smart phone user for very long—less than four months now. I have, however, been surprised at some of the things I now prefer to do on the phone versus my laptop.

I like the convenience of sitting on the sofa and doing a little light reading on my phone. I have several websites that I like to scan through, and I really wasn’t doing that when I had to sit in front of the laptop.

Don’t forget the app: What’s that song?

When I hear a new song on the radio that I like, I want to know the title and artist. More often than not, the D.J. does not tell me this, and I have to try to find out this information on my own.

I used to try to rely on the radio station’s website by looking through their list of last songs played, but more often than not, that was not up to date. So I got in the habit of writing down a main lyric or two—when I was safely stopped at the next traffic light—so that when I got home, I could search online.

Don’t forget the app: Dictionary

Have you ever been snuggled in your bed reading a book—you know, the traditional kind made out of paper—and all of a sudden there was a word you didn’t know? And your dictionary is in another room and you’re just too comfortable to get up?

If you’re like me, you try to guess what the word must mean based on the context of the sentence, but still you’re not sure. And unless you have a piece of paper handy to write it down, you don’t remember it later so that you can look it up.

Don’t forget the app: Compass

Recently, I went to Oakland Cemetery for some photo-ops. I’ve been there several times, and each time I’ve focused on something different. This time was flowers.

I bet you’re wondering why I’d go to a cemetery to take photos of flowers. You’re probably asking, “Aren’t there better places to do that?” There are certainly different places to do that, but not necessarily better.

Loropetalum: The best plant ever

Each of my posts so far has been a recommendation for something I’ve used and enjoyed, but mostly in the technology category. Today’s post may seem very different, but techie people like to garden too, and I promise you I will tie in some technology.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

If you want to pick some new plants for your yard, there are several things you will need to consider first such as light conditions and space, but you definitely want something that is rated to grow in your zone. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to get started.

What you can do with a smart phone and some apps

Before I acquired my smart phone, I knew that I wanted it for a couple of main features other than making phone calls. One of these was to receive emails and the other was to have access to the internet so that I could Google an address or pull up a map. I promised you in an earlier post that I would tell you about other things you can do with a smart phone.

Even if email and Google is all you use it for, you’ll thoroughly enjoy those conveniences. But I bet you’ve heard the expression: “There’s an app for that.” And there definitely is.